“Mike Skinner has written of personal experience, an unlikely account at certain intervals, of lessons learned, truths revealed, of accomplishment and of a life well lived—so far—and of the breadth of opportunity that was and is sometimes apparent but often less so.”
—Phil Crossman, author of As the Crow Flies: Ruminations on life and living and Away Happens
NOW AVAILABLE
My Life as a Non-Valedictorian
Mike Skinner evolved from an uninspired student and confused young adult to become an army medic, registered nurse, hospital president, assistant professor, pilot, and husband, father, and grandfather. These essays describe the challenges Mike faced and what worked and what didn’t. Thankfully, his grades in high school and college played little role in what he would go on to achieve.
Michael D. Skinner
Michael D. Skinner lives in Tenants Harbor, Maine, with his wife and muse, Pamela. He was born in Virginia and raised in Connecticut. He has lived in most of the New England states, as well as Florida and Texas. Children, grandchildren, friends, dogs, writing, and a boat occupy his time in retirement.
Praise for My Life as a Non-Valedictorian
“Mike Skinner may have graduated near the bottom of the class in high school, but what he lacked in GPA scores he more than makes up for in wisdom honed from a lifetime of experiences. In My Life as a Non-Valedictorian, Mike shares vivid stories of his career path from waxing hospital floors, to serving as an Army medic, to ultimately earning jobs as a hospital president and college professor. Mike also shares moving tales of family and friendships, and throws in plenty of adventures and misadventures along the way, right down to his discovery that retirement in an RV is… not exactly what he anticipated. Each essay offers readers a life lesson embedded in a gem of a story, and best of all this collection resonates with humor, humility, and grace.”
— Joni B. Cole, author of Good Naked: How to Write More, Write Better, and Be Happier and Toxic Feedback: Helping Writers Survive and Thrive
“I truly enjoyed My Life as a Non-Valedictorian. Despite the fact that I taught high school English for 41 years (and recently published a book about teaching), Mike’s point is accurate and clear: You don’t have to be a great student to be a successful adult. I had 100’s of students like Mike, and realized that my job was not only to try to teach them, but more importantly befriend them and become their role model. His witty style helps him make this very important point: young adults must develop not only academic skills, but interpersonal and communication skills to attain success. It appears to me that Mike is not only a very successful adult in the business world, but also will be a hit as an author as well. Love his witty, say-it-like-it-is style.”
— Tom Wells, author of Dear Mr. Wells: His students speak